PHYTOTOXIC POTENTIAL OF THE GEOPROPOLIS EXTRACTS OF THE JANDAIRA STINGLESS BEE ( Melipona subnitida ) IN WEEDS

Daniel Santiago Pereira,Natanael Santiago Pereira,João Paulo De Holanda-Neto,Antonio Pedro Da Silva Souza Filho,Patrício Borges Maracajá,Mozaniel Santana De Oliveira

doi:10.1590/1983-21252017v30n407rc

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of the present research is to characterize the phytotoxic activity of geopropolis from the Jandaira bee (Melipona subnitida Ducke) in the state of Ceará in Northeast Brazil and to analyze its effects. Extracts were prepared in 80% v/v grain alcohol at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%. Their effects were determined on seed germination, radicle elongation, and hypocotyl growth of the pasture weeds malícia (Mimosa pudica) and mata-pasto (Senna obtusifolia). Extract phytotoxicity varied as functions of plant species, application dosage, and plant organ. M. pudica was more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of geopropolis than S. obtusifolia. There was a phytotoxic effect of 50% (PE50) for S. obtusifolia in terms of seed germination and in rootlet development near the maximum applied concentrations. M. pudica had PE50 and PE90 at the minimum concentration (0.25%) and near the maximum (1.00%), respectively. Thus, geopropolis extracts from the Jandaira bee (M. subnitida) are potentially phytotoxic to certain plant species.

Highlights

Bee propolis composition is complex due to genetic differences in the bees that collect the resin and the varying geographical origins of the substances in it (BARBOSA, 2009).Meliponiculture is the development and maintenance of colonies of indigenous stingless Meliponini bees, which are important pollinators
The present study showed that geopropolis inhibited seed germination, hypocotyl growth, and radicle development in malícia (M. pudica)
Mimosa pudica germination was sensitive to the inhibitory effects of geopropolis extract

Summary

Introduction

Bee propolis composition is complex due to genetic differences in the bees that collect the resin and the varying geographical origins of the substances in it (BARBOSA, 2009).Meliponiculture is the development and maintenance of colonies of indigenous stingless Meliponini bees, which are important pollinators. It is estimated that there are 350–600 native bee species in Brazil. They produce geopropolis, which consists of a mixture of vegetable resins, soil, and/or clay (MICHENER, 2007). The Jandaira (Melipona subnitida Ducke) is a typical stingless bee. It belongs to the subfamily Meliponinae found in semiarid regions of Brazil. This species can be raised including by women and children, and this human activity contributes to the conservation of the bees and their habitats including through the planting and protection of trees that serve as bee nesting sites. The bees pollinate local native flora (OLIVEIRA CRUZ et al, 2004)

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